Deep in the heart of Texas, beneath the wide sky that stretches like a cowboy's blue bandana, there's a bustling hive of activity where the sun dances merrily on trinkets and treasures. This magical place is the Texas Jewelry Making Club, a secret society of junior jewelers, each busy perfecting their craft in the art of creating sparkly delights. These are no ordinary kids, these are the legendary “Gem Wranglers of Texas". Donning their cowboy hats studded with jewels, they saddle up every morning, ready to lasso the most elusive beads, the wildest wires, and the most rebellious rhinestones into their own unique creations. Meet Sassy Sally, a feisty lass with a charm bracelet that jingles louder than a rattlesnake's tail! With a twinkle in her eye and a toothpick between her teeth, she threads beads faster than a jackrabbit on a hot griddle. Then there's Twisted Tex, a quiet wrangler with a knack for braiding leather cords into intricate designs that would make a Longhorn's horns look plain. Every Friday, the kids gather around the glittering campfire, sipping on sweet iced tea, sharing tales of their fabulous creations. And at the heart of it all, is their mascot, a cheeky armadillo named Dillo Dazzler, who wears a shiny belt buckle crafted by the kids themselves. So, if you ever find yourself wandering under the Texan skies, listen for the sound of laughter and jingling jewelry. You just might stumble upon the secret gathering of the famous Gem Wranglers of Texas, the most glittering spectacle this side of the Rio Grande!
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Dear Families, Welcome to the wonderful world of Swift Nature Camp an overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 located in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. I’m Lonnie, the Camp Director, and I’m thrilled to share what makes SNC such a special place for kids and families alike. For nearly 30 years, our mission has been to create an environment where children can grow, discover, and make lifelong memories. Here at camp, we focus on friendship, personal development, and a deep connection to nature—all in a fun, supportive, and adventurous setting. All this without cell phones One of the things that sets Swift Nature Camp apart is our focus on fostering independence and confidence. Whether it’s trying a new activity like canoeing, taking on a leadership role in a group project, or simply navigating life away from home, camp provides endless opportunities for personal growth. We celebrate each camper’s unique personality and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing way. Seeing kids gain new skills and pride in their accomplishments is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. For our youngest campers, Discovery Camp is an especially magical experience. Designed only for first-time campers ages 6-12, this shorter program gives kids a chance to experience the joys of camp life in a way that’s just right for them. It’s amazing to watch these kids try new things—from learning about the natural world to singing campfire songs—and leave camp with big smiles and even bigger stories to tell. Discovery Camp is often the beginning of a long and cherished relationship with SNC, and we’re so proud to see those first-time campers grow into confident and capable young people. Another cornerstone of Swift Nature Camp is our connection to the environment. We believe that nature isn’t just a backdrop for camp; it’s a teacher, a playground, and a source of endless wonder. Through hands-on activities like pond studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor adventures, campers develop an appreciation for the natural world that stays with them long after camp ends. The Camp Zoo is always a favorite, campers can even adopt a pet while at camp.Our goal is to inspire kids to become curious, mindful stewards of the environment. At Swift Nature Camp, there’s never a dull day! With hundreds of land and water activities, campers are always engaged and excited. On land, some favorites include the Lego Cabin, Arts & Crafts, Archery, and exploring the Nature Center. On the water, campers learn Canoeing, Fishing, and Swimming, but the absolute favorites are Tubing behind the boat and jumping off the Water Trampoline. Never is there a dull day because every day is packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to try something new. Of course, none of this would be possible without the amazing friendships that form here. SNC is a place where kids truly feel like they belong. Campers and counselors alike bring warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything we do, creating a strong sense of community. Whether it’s cheering each other on during a game, collaborating on a creative project, or sharing laughs around the campfire, the bonds formed at Swift Nature Camp are something truly special. Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to help create memories that will last a lifetime. If you have any questions or just want to chat about camp, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to see what the next camp season holds and to welcome your family to another amazing summer at Swift Nature Camp.
For over six decades, the Quillian Center has been a haven for children looking to enjoy a memorable summer camp experience. Nestled in the heart of Houston's vibrant westside, Camp Quillian has won the hearts of the Westchase District community, becoming the most popular choice for a summer camp. Accredited by the American Camp Association, we offer day camp services for children aged 5-12 and a special Teen Camp for those aged 13-14. With flexible camp hours running from 8AM to 6:30PM, we provide an experience that is both enjoyable and convenient. We understand that each family's schedule differs, and as such, we are pleased to offer half-day options for both morning and afternoon sessions. Morning half-day campers are welcome to join us as soon as our doors open, where they can partake in specialty camps and grand assemblies. These campers can be picked up at the end of their lunchtime. Our afternoon half-day campers begin their adventure at 1PM, participating in facility rotations, special events, and daily swimming opportunities. Pick up time for these campers is 6:30PM when our camp closes. Camp Quillian is not only about fun, but also about diverse activities that keep children engaged. We boast a host of resources including a gymnasium, two swimming pools, an indoor climbing wall, game rooms, athletic fields, and a playground. Our programs are designed to cater to a variety of interests, from indoor and outdoor sports to enrichment classes, arts and crafts, special events, guest speakers, and games. We even host a Vacation Bible Camp! This summer, we're going for gold as we celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics. We invite you to join us and discover why Camp Quillian is the ultimate destination for a fun-filled summer!